Southern African Ndebele is a Nguni grouping native to South Africa who speaks Southern Ndebele, which is distinct from the Zimbabwean Ndebele language. Although sharing the identical name, they must not be confused with (Mzilikazi’s) Northern Ndebele people of recent Zimbabwe, a breakaway from the Zulu nation, with whom they came into contact only after Mfecane.
Northern Ndebele people speak the Ndebele language. The primary stage is Labola for the bride; they often pay this in installments with both money and livestock. The second stage may be a two-week separation of the bride, during which other women teach the bride the way to be a decent wife, and also they complete the third stage when the bride has her first child.
The groom-to-be sent a letter to the bride’s family to request a date for the Labola (bride price) negotiation. He then should purchase a sheep, some blankets, a broom, and some clothes for the girl’s family. Preparation for the marriage day will include writing up a guest list and sending out the invitations, this happens period before the marriage day.
They cook food the standard way which must include ‘mielie pap’ (traditional maize meal) meat and salads, fruit, sweets, and cakes. This special garment is worn by all the married women during the marriage ceremony because it represents a mother being surrounded by children.
The official ceremony will happen at a delegated location with members of the family present to witness the couple saying their wedding vows and also the placing of rings on each other’s fingers. After the ceremony, the couple will turn into traditional attires and escort the guests to the new bride’s home to eat, after which gifts are going to be given to the newlyweds.
It gets more unique as after the ceremony the oldest boy within the family will stay behind along with all the fogeys and grandparents to allow the new wife a Ndebele name.
